St. Paul will begin closing homeless encampments on a rolling basis Aug. 5, starting at Pig’s Eye Park, while city, county and nonprofit teams work to connect residents with shelter, housing and other services.
City officials said an assessment found serious health and safety hazards at encampments, including fires, sexual assaults, thefts, two overdose-related deaths and risks created by propane tanks and open flames near tightly spaced tents.
The city and Ramsey County said outreach workers would be on site nearly every day before the first closure. A 10-person county team representing housing stability, financial assistance, social services and public health has also been assigned to the effort. Workers are helping people complete coordinated-entry applications, replace documents, arrange transportation and identify shelter or housing options.
The City Council authorized $1.08 million for Ramsey County to expand shelter beds and services ahead of the Pig’s Eye closure. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities also said it has available beds after completing the first phase of an expansion at its men’s campus on University Avenue.
Officials describe the plan as a graduated process of engagement, education, encouragement and, only after sustained outreach, enforcement. Temporary storage will be available for belongings, and follow-up services are expected to continue after each site closes.
A community listening forum titled “Out of the Shadows” is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 28 at the North Garden Theater, 929 W. Seventh St. The event is intended to include people experiencing homelessness, elected officials, service providers and neighborhood residents.
More information is available at stpaul.gov/encampments. Ramsey County’s housing and supportive-services entry line is 651-266-1050.
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